How to Optimise the Performance of Your Dust Collection System
An underperforming dust collection system can result in a loss of productivity and costly filter changes, but often the issue can be avoided by following a few simple maintenance checks. Here we have put together some tips on optimising the performance of your system.
Pulse Duration
It’s important to check that your collection system is pulsing at the correct level, which should be between 90 – 100psi and definitely not above this. The system pulse duration doesn’t want to be higher than 150 milliseconds or have less than a 20 second off time. More frequent pulses or higher pressure will result in premature wear and puts more stress on other components.
Airflow
An effective dust collection system brings about a number of important benefits, including a reduction in health hazards for workers and an improvement in product quality, but for this to be the case the airflow has to be correct.
You should speak to your filter supplier about the most appropriate filter media for your requirements and what air to cloth ratio is best. It’s also a good idea to check the inlet air distribution regularly to ensure it’s intact and clean enough, as this will help the airflow to be equally distributed.
Effectiveness of the System Fan
The airflow velocity and volume of the fan needs to be measured frequently and then adjusted as required. Another issue can be where dust settles at the top of a filter, which can be caused by light dust, as well as a high interstitial velocity.
When you’re checking the fan it’s also a good moment to assess the duct work, such as the ductwork blast gate damper, which can be sourced from suppliers like http://www.dustspares.co.uk/Blast-Gate-Damper.html. This will ensure there are no clogged ducts or slipping belts, which can reduce the performance of the system, as the dusty air can’t flow freely.
The Right Media Type
It’s important to remember that not all types of dust are the same and they all have different characteristics that require specialist handling. The media you need will be determined by factors such as humidity, dust conductivity, temperature, stickiness and acidity. By reviewing your needs with your supplier you can ensure that you’re using the most appropriate media, so that the system works as effectively as possible.
